Lean Mission Testimonials | Lean Japan Tour Program

The Lean Japan Tour was the best lean management experience I have had. I wish I had done this earlier, so I could have done some things differently. One learns that some aspects of lean that one thought one knew, really have a different dimension to them. It helps to see lean management where it originated. I can highly recommend this tour!
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I have thoroughly enjoyed the lean tour to Japan. Not only have I learned lots of new concepts that I’m keen to implement in our business, but I also loved the cultural experiences and insight into the people of Japan. The tour organizers bent over backward to make us feel welcome and anticipate our every need. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of how lean can be practically applied in their business.
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From a remote rural engineering company – to the shining lights of Japan’s finest. I have returned overwhelmed from the experience to learn from some of the worlds best manufacturers and absorb decades of experience from my fellow peers. Highly recommended and treat it as a sound investment for your company’s future!
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I recently had the privilege of attending the Lean Japan Tour organized by Shinka Management, and I can say it was an unforgettable experience!

From start to finish, the tour was exceptionally well-managed, and I came away with a wealth of new knowledge and insights into lean manufacturing.

I want to express my gratitude to Paul Smith, Ben Sparrow, Eri Dennis and Craig Roberts for their outstanding management of the tour. Their dedication and expertise made the trip highly informative and enjoyable.

Overall, the tour was a great opportunity to witness firsthand the benefits of lean manufacturing in action and to learn from some of the best in the industry. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of lean manufacturing, and I look forward to applying the lessons I learned to my own work.
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My experience on the Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour was spectacular. Learning more about TQM and Lean Management in the country where almost all industries are implementing these approaches has been surreal. It was also a good experience witnessing these firsthand in the manufacturing industry and even more so in the healthcare industry. It is amazing to see that companies are able to sustain these principles over such a long period of time. We have been exposed to these approaches in the past, and although we are not new to this field, it gave us a sense of urgency in reviving and pushing for the same principles in our workplace. The best part during the tour for me was the hospital visits since I am from the healthcare industry. I have learned as well an important lesson during the tour which is to look inside first and assess what needs to be done. We shouldn’t be asking how we could use the tools or just implement what we learned, but rather, ask first what the problem is.
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The training schedule is very tight and efficient, the class room training was practical and led by an experienced teacher from Toyota, and the tour visits covered a wide range of industries including car manufacturing, parts processing and healthcare.
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For me, the Lean Japan Tour was a journey through different companies guided by experts who explained the tools and demonstrated how to live in a work culture based on continuous improvement. This allowed me to discover new concepts and approaches to facilitate the successful implementation of a kaizen culture in American companies.
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I’d rate 100% for this trip. It fulfilled or even exceeded my expectations. Reasonable arrangement of class, practice and plant visits; and high quality service for everything during the trip.
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An outstanding experience. The opportunity to learn and build knowledge with experts in the principles of lean management was first class. The Japan context simply makes all the difference in putting that learning into context and allowed me to get “under the hood” of how it is really applied in practice through a variety of hosted site visits. The Shinka team are just amazing and I have met some great people from all over the world by joining this tour. What are you waiting for?
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It was an inspiring week with great learnings around lean and how it is applied across various levels of the supply chain. The tour also provides a nice glimpse into the Japanese culture with its amazing food and friendly people.
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The one week Lean Japan Tour not only validates ‘how lean can make business sense’ but also provides the opportunity to learn and share with professionals across different industries.
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It was an excellent tour – professionally run and well executed. The companies selected implemented lean at a high degree. The passion they exhibited in sharing their lean journey was very inspiring. I have learned new strategies to bring home to implement. A time well spent.
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My experience on the Lean Japan Tour was much more than expected. I’ve come to realise that there’s much more for me to learn regarding TPS.
The program is excellent in terms of the content, but also, and no less important, the personalized attention made me feel like I am a member of the Shinka Management team. I also appreciate very much that they shared with us many experiences during our time in Japan, where we could confirm that the culture of the country is as it is reported outside of Japan. Thank you.
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It was great experiencing factories that have implemented simple and effective processes in the right manner. I enjoyed the stories from each sensei on their journey of kaizen and how they implemented it within their factories. Ben, Eri and Juan were incredible hosts, the whole tour was seamless and the content was really valuable. This tour has really changed my understanding of what great looks like. Thank you.
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I highly recommend this tour. You will learn lean from the experts which will greatly facilitate your lean journey.
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The tour was a great experience on both a personal and a professional level. There was much learning and the culture we encountered was inspiring. I want to thank the Shinka Management team for their efforts in organising such a great and professionally detailed program. It was a pleasure meeting you all.
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Great experience delivered by passionate professionals. The training is well-balanced between real life factory/hospital visits (lean in action), theory (basic concepts, why it makes sense) and exercise (set up your own mini factory line using lean concepts). All of this where it started: Japan. Definitely recommend the tour for any professional looking for ways to improve the efficiency of their operations.
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Enriched by an exceptional experience in Japan with Shinka Management, I delved into the nuances of Japanese culture and etiquette while immersing myself in the heart of the Toyota Production System. From theoretical and practical courses to visits to Toyota’s final assembly site and their suppliers, each step shaped my understanding. The impeccable organization, meticulous cleanliness, tangible respect, and genuine passion for job accomplishment deeply impressed me. An experience beyond words, impactful in every aspect.
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A great mix of Japanese Business Etiquette, site visits show-casing lean principles, Japanese Culture and networking with the other members of the group. Both Ben & Paul were professional yet relaxed and friendly. Their relationships with key personnel in strategic lean businesses is impressive and their ability to translate quickly & accurately minimised the language barrier. I thoroughly recommend the Shinka Lean Japan Tour to any person wanting to improve their understanding of lean principles and see working examples of gemba, kaizen, TPS, kanban, andon & jidoka, etc.
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I personally believe that an understanding of lean as a holistic concept combined with lean tools is necessary for all managers in any business. Shinka Management introduced us to the origins of lean production and provided a great opportunity to observe real companies where TPS principles are both implemented and being polished daily. Important parts of our one-week training were not only dedicated to learning and Q&A sessions, practical exercises and site visits, but also included deep dives into Japanese culture which was crucial for understanding why lean principles were so widely spread. Thoughtful discussions, forethought and precise agenda, attention to all the small requests and wishes, and open-minded and easygoing Shinka consultants made our time in Japan unforgettable. We gained a lot of confidence that we can implement TPS and lean principles across our company.
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I highly recommend the Lean Japan Tour – it provided a very good insight, was well organised and is led by guys who are clearly very passionate for lean and Japan.
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Life changing experience.
The tour was extremely well prepared:
1. In terms of logistics and schedule, everything was organized to provide enough time for full day efficiency without putting too much physical or cognitive strain.
2. In terms of quality of information, the senseis’ knowledge is world-class level and they were more than willing to address all the questions. The quality of the plants we visited was top notch, and always with an overwhelming welcome from the people there.
3. The Shinka Management team is overfriendly and supportive in all aspects of the trip. They made us feel at home half away across the globe.
Arigato gozaimasu!
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Excellent, from preparing the tour group on do’s and don’ts to guidance on what to watch out for every step of the way. Cannot recommend this enough if you are looking to learn how to resolve issues, and want to understand the lean approach from philosophy to theory to practice. Thank you very much, Paul, Ben and Juan for the rich learning experience and great company, and Eri for the logistics support from afar. Special thanks to Kaji Sensei for sharing and noting where we were good and where we could improve. Arigato gozaimasu!
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We learned from the masters (sensei), who were filled with wisdom, passion and experience. The Lean Japan Tour content was very practical and made a lot of sense. We received excellent hospitality from Paul and Craig of Shinka Management.
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I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who is in the business of improving people. The ideas stimulated through this tour have helped me reform our entire vision of what improvement means for our business.
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The whole experience of the lean tour was excellent. I learned so much over the past week and all of my previous knowledge of lean was reinforced. Not only did I learn about lean management but I was also impressed with the Japanese culture. The whole team at Shinka Management were very helpful and made sure the tour went smoothly. It was an experience that I will surely remember throughout my lean journey. Thank you.
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It has been a very successful tour with a very friendly and supportive team. All the training materials, factory visits and accommodation have been very well organised. Transport was on time and food has been so amazing. The exposure to the lean tools and techniques and their applications are so practical and I learnt a lot. My heartfelt appreciation and a BIG THANK YOU to Paul and the team.
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Businesses need every weapon at their disposal to help compete in a global market. This tour opens up more ideas and opportunities and is highly recommended to manufacturers, engineering or service related industries. Everyone can learn something on this tour! Paul and Ben have done a marvelous job of putting together an action-packed week, which is highly recommended for those who wish to not only study lean practices but who have an interest in dealing with the Japanese in business.
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This tour was recommended to me by our VP Operations who undertook the tour the previous year. Both Ben and Paul provided an excellent tour of the Japanese manufacturing industry and the program was both well run and highly focused towards the practical implementation of lean strategies. There were plenty of opportunities to ask questions of the particular line managers as well as the teams which implemented the lean techniques. I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn the Toyota Production System from the source. I look forward to implementing the many findings in our plant. This experience has given me a different approach to improving our plant’s lean journey. Thank you again for everything.
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The overall experience on the Lean Japan Tour is great with a lot of learnings from the trainings, workshops and company and factory visits. The accommodation and meals were also well arranged with the schedule and agenda organized in a great manner. Really appreciate Ben and Paul making everything comfortable and efficient during the whole trip with their professional work! Special thanks to Juan for making the memorable photos of all the moments! Highly recommend this program from Shinka!
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If you have embarked on a lean journey The Lean Study Tour should be on your bucket list!

It was inspiring to see the Toyota Production System in action as a management system, as well as the small improvements made day in and day out by dedicated and motivated teams all striving to continuously improve. Paul, Ben, Tony and Juan (tour leaders) did an outstanding Job of guiding us through Japan, and highlighting where TPS is improving society as well as manufacturing. Their subtle lines of questioning and coaching combined with observing TPS in action and the instruction of Japanese Sensei inspired tour participants on how they can effect change.

Every detail from transport to meals and accommodation were professionally managed and executed. Practical learning environments such as the Toyota group training center consolidated class room learning with hands on experimentation which lead to real “ah ha” moments with many tour participants.

This tour was an extremely rewarding and enjoyable learning  experience.  I highly recommend the Lean Study Tour.
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I must say thank you to the whole Shinka team – very grateful to meet you. The senseis and the Shinka team always cared about integrating us, teaching us and making us feel comfortable.
The planning for the tour was brilliant. All my expectations were met. I saw TPS totally implemented, and it was amazing and very inspiring. Now I will continue to guide and transfer this knowledge to my team.
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Personally and professionally I found the week extraordinarily rewarding – not only as a fantastic Lean Japan Tour but as a cultural experience not to be missed.

Imagine if you will… taking a group of people you had never met before, under your wing, in one of the most crowded cities in the world. Plenty of traditional food and drink, immersing them in culture, filling their heads with Lean (TPS) concepts and depriving them of sleep whilst being the only two people in the group that can speak Japanese. What could go wrong? All this whilst maintaining the integrity of yourselves and your business (Shinka Management) – which was upheld 24 hours a day. Paul and Ben, you did a fantastic job and the respect for yourselves and your company was apparent with every business we visited. The way the trip was coordinated and flowed was a testament to the organizational skills of both Ben and Paul from Shinka Management.

The systems, machinery, processes and people in Japanese businesses are something to be admired. The passion for TPS shown by every staff member was evident and the dedication shown at all levels of management was significant. The TPS is at such a high level at some of the sites visited that you realize how many more opportunities there are at your own site. Even if the factories are unrelated to your own industry, the message is more about the process and disciplines used to get the business to the current state. Small steps to achieve the ultimate goal, remembering that each one of these businesses started off somewhere and the origin of TPS was born out of a “need” for business continuity.

I have emerged with a new passion and enthusiasm for Lean manufacturing. If you have the opportunity for this fantastic tour, you will not regret it, it is an investment in you and your company’s future.
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Paul and Ben from Shinka Management need to be commended for the tour that they ran in Japan. The experience has enlightened and energised me to intensify the lean efforts within our organisation. The tour was packed full of knowledge building as well as relationship building with other participants all whilst experiencing a cultural treat that normally only a local would be able to show you. Thank you for a once in a lifetime trip Shinka – I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone in business.
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I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Lean Japan Tour by Shinka Management, and it was an exceptional experience. The tour is meticulously designed for a concise 7-day itinerary, providing deep and practical insights into Lean Manufacturing. The blend of informative sessions and real-world observations made the learning process both engaging and highly valuable. The team at Shinka Management is incredibly knowledgeable and adept at translating complex concepts into actionable strategies. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to enhance their understanding of Lean principles and see them in action. A truly worthwhile investment for professional growth!

The program is a combination of theory and practical training. I would recommend this training to anyone who is practicing or related to Lean Manufacturing. No blah blah blah!!! in the entire tour. Thank you very much Mr. Paul, Ms. Eri and Mr. Ichi. I would love to attend this training once again.
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This service has added huge value to the Saudi Arabian Government-sponsored Tomoh Industrial SMEs. Thank you Shinka for the effort made to deliver this service in a very professional way.
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I attended the tour in 2011 and found the whole experience very useful to build on my understanding of Lean Manufacturing. For those having a reasonable understanding of Lean this tour shows in detail the gap that Australia experiences to world class productivity practices. Most interesting was the deployment of essentially the key elements of the Toyota Production System into an SME with 50 employees. It showed that even small business can be world class, and there is significant potential from my experience to do this in local SME’s as well as larger firms. This is really a must as part of the serious Lean journey and excellent for small and larger enterprises.
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It was an exciting experience learning about Japan’s culture and industrial mentality. I had the honor of seeing and experiencing the industrial culture in Japan and exploring the reasons for its prosperity based on the principle of “kaizen”, as well as witnessing the work environment in a distinctive way embodied in the principle of 5S. It was a unique experience and I advise all those interested in increasing productivity and sustainability in business in general and the industry in particular to go through this experience. The vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is well known by those from industry. It aims to increase the number of factories from 11,000 to 36,000 by the year 2035. Thanks again to the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for supporting my participation, and to the Shinka Management Team for their efforts.
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This is a great lean tour! Through the week together we have participated in visits to local companies, classroom sessions and hands on exercises. It’s impressive to see how the Toyota Way is really working efficiently and effectively. The organizers are professional, and have good relationships with the sites we visited. They know what the participants are looking for and provide perfect support.
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A great tour. Having spent over 20 years in manufacturing I now understand the true meaning of Kaizen.
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This was my third visit to Japan with Shinka Management and it is difficult for me to find the right words to express my gratitude for such a well-organized tour and my appreciation for the high quality and on-target content. In my previous visits I received very valuable information related to continuous improvement principles and lean theory. While I received further lean training, my main focus was to gain more skills, tools and strategies on how lean practices can be adapted and introduced into the development of people. As a founder and owner of a newly established company, it is crucial for me to set up a lean culture at the onset of the company’s journey to foster the mindset of continuous improvement. Thank so much to all the wonderful people at Shinka Management that make this amazing experience possible. I highly recommend Shinka Management to any organization interested in lean training and improving their business.
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I was very impressed with the professionalism and preparedness of the Shinka team. The support both before and during the tour was fantastic. It was the right mix of culture and personal development. There were lots of learnings I will take with me.
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The Lean Japan Tour allowed me to understand in a practical and conceptual way the real essence of just-in-time and operational efficiency. The dedication of the team and their attention to detail have made this an unforgettable experience.
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The fact that you can go past all the books and see the Toyota Production System in action first hand is fantastic. It is not sold in a complicated form by those involved but rather the opposite. The training room was found to be hands on and simple allowing us to touch and feel examples of good practice. I am looking forward to sharing my time with colleagues through the feedback sessions planned.
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It has been a great and eye-opening tour. It made me believe more that lean is possible and achievable. The way the tour was organised impressed me – your team has put time and effort into making the program well-organised and enjoyable. Thank you for keeping up the standard and keeping lean awareness going for a better world.
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Learning 5S and TPS while experiencing and living the Japanese culture through communication, direct interaction and viewing various live examples from different perspectives, created a solid reference for us to understand the main reason behind the success of these systems. This is a complete lifestyle that involves human contribution, a continuous thrive for improvement, and a strong team commitment. This is a unique experience that marked a new milestone in my career.
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Paul, I just wanted to reach out and give my sincere thanks for an amazing week in Japan. You and your team of experts across all areas of business and language gave me an unforgettable experience and reminded me of so many aspects of lean that I had put to one side or taken for granted. The organisation of the course, food, logistics, trains, hotels, etc was of such a high standard and managing that for a large group with their own needs and wants was made to look effortless by your whole team. I will be promoting your Lean Japan Tour to everyone I come across both in my group and outside and I hope to come again myself in the not too distant future. Thanks again.
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Having completed several graduate courses in lean production and management during my MSc in Industrial Engineering, I was no stranger to the principles and theories that underpin this field. However, the opportunity to embark on the Lean Japan Tour with Shinka Management was nothing short of transformative. It strengthened my understanding of lean practices to a level that surpassed the boundaries of traditional education, even at the graduate level.

The tour not only enriched my knowledge with theoretical insights but also provided an opportunity to observe the Toyota Production System (TPS) in action. Witnessing the TPS principles being implemented in real-world scenarios was an eye-opening experience that textbooks and lectures could never replicate.
What truly set this experience apart was the hands-on practical work we engaged in. It wasn’t just about learning theories; it was about rolling up our sleeves and applying those theories in real-world situations. The practical exercises allowed me to gain a profound appreciation for the nuances of lean production that can only be grasped through firsthand involvement.

The Lean Japan Tour was more than just a professional journey; it was a cultural immersion that exceeded my wildest expectations. As someone who has passion about Japanese culture, this tour served as a gateway to a world I had long admired from afar. Interacting with the local community, witnessing their work ethic, and embracing their customs were invaluable experiences that broadened my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

It’s abundantly clear that Shinka Management’s expertise in organizing such tours comes from years of refined experience. The seamless coordination, insightful guidance, and access to exclusive industry insights are testament to their mastery in this field. As a group, we were simply left in awe, and no words can adequately express how this experience surpassed our loftiest expectations.

The Lean Japan Tour with Shinka Management transcended the realms of education and tourism. It was a transformative journey that elevated my understanding of lean production, enriched my cultural appreciation, and left an indelible mark on my professional and personal growth.
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During the Lean Japan Tour I came to the realization that improving an organization is not through large capital investments alone. We were completely surrounded by examples of minor investments into small improvements that produced significant savings. The clever use of visual management techniques gave a clear understanding of the current situation and Ben who is fluent in Japanese was able to remove any language barriers. The open discussions with local senior management helped me identify the misconceptions I had regarding Lean Manufacturing. From the tour I came away with a much broader comprehension of the key elements and how each company had achieved them. We saw the application of lean in various industries – not just automotive. Having said that, what we did experience with the automotive visits were certain management concepts that I realized could be applied in many other situations. In our case we implemented “one piece flow” and “process value mapping” and achieved considerable savings. The tour was a seamless and very professional experience and the group was able to gain a better understanding of the Japanese culture. This is not just a tour for production people but for everybody with an open mind to improve processes, like for myself coming out of Finance.
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I enjoyed every aspect of this extremely well organised kaizen tour including: factory visits, translations by Paul and Ben, TPS training, sightseeing, accommodation, transportation, and meals. This tour is a must for anyone trying to understand / implement LEAN into their business or organisation. I hope the tour continues for many years to come as I would like to do it again in future.
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First of all, I want to express my sincere gratitude for this unforgettable trip. From the beginning, the level of organization and attention to detail was outstanding. The program was well thought out, providing a perfect balance between plant visits, theoretical training, and practical experiences. It’s evident that a lot of thought and effort went into ensuring the satisfaction of the participants. I return to Tunisia with a wealth of information about the culture and etiquette of Japan, and it has inspired me to delve even deeper into the rich history of this fascinating country.

One of the highlights for me was the discovery of the Toyota Commemorative Museum, the practical training center, and the Gifu Auto Body Toyota HiAce final assembly plant. The visits to Toyota Boshoku Seiko, GI Service, Suzaki Industries, and AVEX were truly enlightening. Many concepts about lean management that I previously misunderstood were clarified, and obtaining information from the source was enriching. I must also commend the selection of hotels, which were not only comfortable but strategically located, providing easy access to explore the surrounding areas. The choice of restaurants and the diverse culinary experiences incorporated into the trip were exceptional.

I am typically hard to impress, but this time was an exception. Thank you for orchestrating such a fantastic tour and I would not hesitate to recommend Shinka Management services to colleagues and friends.
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Had the pleasure to accompany Ben and clients on the 2007 Lean Japan Tour. I had worked with many Japanese, ASEAN, UK and US firms and as such have participated in benchmarking assignments and tours of their operations. Some involved attending and presenting at various strategy, productivity and quality management conferences. In that context, I was so taken away with Shinka Management’s tour. The productivity best practice survey lessons learned and lectures from our Japanese hosts followed by excellent Tokyo and Nagoya plant tours were breathtaking and one of the most enjoyable learning experiences. The re-enforcement of the little continual improvement activities, coordination and collaboration of all the companies and their suppliers was “in-your-face” so to speak. There was little need for explanation in some ways as the plants were “visual” and Ben’s clarifications were timely – every time. He filled the gaps in our understanding and what Ben’s clients had achieved by their productivity, quality and lean interventions. As for the personal time, the co-tour attendees and Ben’s hosting were memorable. During the in-bus post plant tour de-briefs it was interesting to hear what each of us got out of the visit and what we learned from what we saw – different eyes, experience and perspectives. Brilliant!
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I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the November 2013 tour. I learned so much about Japanese culture and TPS. Despite coming from the IT industry, I was able to gain valuable insights on the philosophy and principles of Lean that I can apply in my industry. Ben and Paul are top-notch guides. Their wealth of knowledge and proficiency in Japanese (both language and culture-wise) helped us to gain deeper understanding. I strongly recommend anyone who has great passion in Lean to go on this tour.
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A very intensive and learning Lean Japan Study tour. Alternating with company tours, training session and feeling the Japanese culture. Experiencing the TPS live generated many new inputs and ideas for me. I can recommend it to anyone interested in Lean / Kaizen, but also to experts. It shows what culture is behind it and what can be achieved when we tackle it. Everything is planned from A-Z and it is also constantly being improved. Name is program *Shinka* Management well done.
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Paul Smith and the team at Shinka Management, in particular Eri Dennis, did an incredible job planning and leading our tailored Japan Study Tour in March 2024. Our team of construction and training professionals learnt and more importantly experienced so much about lean management and Japanese construction, manufacturing and factory practices. Without the expertise and knowledge that Paul and Eri brought to our tour we would not have had the exposure and depth of learning that we had. It was an incredible study trip and we are bringing back so many important learnings that we will implement into our modular homes project. Having Paul with us throughout the tour to interpret and lead was invaluable – his understanding of Japanese business practices and culture was critical to the success of our trip. Eri’s connections to factories and businesses in Japan ensured that we were able to get tailored factory and plant tours which enabled us to experience lean management in practice. Our tour had an excellent blend of theory, practice and exposure. We are incredibly grateful to the team at Shinka Management. I can recommend Shinka Management to other organisations who seek to understand and experience lean management practices in Japan.
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Shinka Management’s service here was truly exceptional. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure that every detail of our experience was perfect. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, and it was truly appreciated. Their hospitality was warm and welcoming, making us feel like valued guests.
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Dear Paul, Thank you for the nice experience you and your team were able to provide me! It has been a very professional tour and even more a very nice human connection with you, David and Eri. You have built a nice team that makes people’s lives change! Ciao, Maurizio
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Amazing Tour. Great experience to see and share with Japanese managers. I learned a lot about their culture, their way to think, to work and to improve by themselves. Great moments during training and after work. Thanks a lot. We will return back home with a new eye and mindset.
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The Lean Japan Tour was well organized and full of passion, knowledge and hands-on practice. I was glad to join the program. Thanks a lot to the Shinka Management team.
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Not for the fainthearted, this action-packed tour will blow you away. It’s a one-week learning adventure supercharged with information on TPS (Lean) principles. The learning experiences and companies visited far exceeded expectations. The Japanese managers we met were friendly and excited to share their experiences.

If you desire change within your organisation and are not sure what you need, then this is the trip for you and your company. You have been warned; “this could lead to some serious self-analysis on how GOOD companies operate!”

Thanks to Ben & Paul for the well organised trip from beginning to end.
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I would like to give my deepest thanks for helping us end the executive program on a high note. This week has summarized TPS / VPS in a very practical and eye-opening manner. The lean journey has become real and exemplified through the many visits we have done. The coaching by Hattori Sensei, and by David and Paul has helped to demystify what needs to be done to become successful. Also, by including a bit of Japanese culture, it made the week extra memorable. We had full support with everything from hotels, meals, tickets, etc. and this made us all relax, and focus on the learning and reflection of what we have seen.
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The tour has given me the opportunity to understand in a practical way what I learned theoretically. I have checked that the theory is possible to put in practice. This has been the first time that I have felt the lean manufacturing philosophy first hand. Congratulations to the Shinka Team. The organisation has been perfect and the teachers very, very good. They created the motivation we need to implement and improve our current status in lean and the Airbus Operating System. Thank you, it has been a great experience.
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Paul, Eri and the Shinka Management team added significant value to our recent business tour in Japan. Well organised custom tour arranged in a short timeframe provided a great learning and cultural experience for our team!
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A high quality, professional and first-hand experience of how just-in-time and lean are mastered. Great for professional development and a genuine motivator to go further using the lean tools available. A marvelous cultural experience.
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The TPS methodologies and learnings were exceptional. Shinka management ensured the tour was clearly defined. The teachings from expert senseis were effective, and they shared their knowledge and experience of the kaizen and 5S models. A must attend tour for people who are seeking improvements in business and culture.
Thank you Shinka management!
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I really liked the Lean Japan Tour, since it combines theoretical training, workshops and visits to different companies. It is different to see firsthand how the different methodologies work and take the time to understand that it is part of the organizational culture. Thank you Shinka Management team. Now let’s get to work…!!
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I joined the tour with little understanding of lean. This tour opened my eyes to the possibilities of what can be achieved through continued focus on improvement and team work at all levels. The plant tours showcase the Kaizen and 5S principles perfectly. The surprising thing for me is that safety and quality were paramount in all aspects of work and are a strong focus when implementing improvements. I enjoyed learning from our hosts and others on the tour and would happily recommend the lean tour to anyone considering lean for their business.
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Paul and Eri from Shinka Management clearly understood the brief and greatly assisted in transforming our industry tour into an enjoyable and exceptional experience immersed in Japanese culture. Without their support we would not have gained the same level of factory access, learnings and knowledge. Well done!
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The tour shows how industries in Japan do continuous improvement in their respective companies. I think that such concepts could also be applied in other industries as well when applied correctly within its own framework. The tour also showcases some aspects of Japanese culture which I appreciate a lot as it provides insight into the continuous improvement mental models in Japan. The tour also includes guest lecturers with experience in transforming companies, and who actually changed my perspective on why we do KAIZEN. I would actually recommend the leaders of companies to attend such tours and bring such mindset and behavior into their respective industries.
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The Lean Japan Tour has allowed me to learn both professionally and culturally. It has been an invaluable experience to learn through interacting directly with a Japanese sensei. It has been a pleasure experiencing this program in Japan, with the locals always helping us as if we were a relative. The Lean Japan tour is truly a 360° experience and I recommend it 100%.
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This trip really enlightened me in some specific lean topics and showed me all the beneficial aspects of lean manufacturing. The biggest take away for me was a deeper appreciation of not just the tools but the philosophy. The way the trip was organised and flowed was amazing. Thanks to Paul and David from Shinka Management.
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I am deeply grateful to Shinka Management, and to Paul, Eri and Ichi, for an outstanding Lean Japan Tour experience. Their expertise and hospitality made the journey both educational and enjoyable. The insights gained from visiting world-class lean organizations were invaluable, and the dedication of the Shinka team to ensuring we absorbed practical knowledge was evident throughout. This experience has greatly enriched my understanding of lean principles and how they can be applied to drive continuous improvement. Thank you for organising such an exceptional tour and for your unwavering support throughout the journey.
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It was a fasntastic tour from the beginning to the end. It was very well-organised and informative. Sessions were followed with practical training which concentrated more on the ideas that had been explained. The factories visited were chosen in a way that allowed the participants to see a live supply chain work. Big thanks to the Shinka Management team, especially the director Mr Ben Sparrow for leading this tour with inspiring calmness. Finally, it is a tour related to lean management and the tour also allowed us to experience Japanese culture. Thank you.
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The Lean Japan Tour program organised by Shinka Management is a fantastic experience for those involved in business and production. It inspires people to make changes for the better and to more effectively organize production regardless of the industry they represent.
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The Lean Japan Tour was one of the best quality training programs that I’ve attended. The information is provided in a good learning environment and the hands on activities along with in-plant tours to see the lean concepts in action helped reinforce the concepts. There is so much I learned on this trip that I can begin using once back in the office.

The trip accommodations were wonderful and the meals with team members helped build lasting relationships. Paul, Eri and Ichi were wonderful guides and understood all the concepts which they translated for us. This helped very much with asking questions later as they could continue the discussions surrounding lean manufacturing and the Japanese implementation of those concepts. Kaji-sensei was very knowledgeable and I enjoyed learning from him during the classroom and activities portion.

I am already planning to return to Japan with Shinka Management for the Alumni tour. Thank you so much for all I’ve learned and experienced!
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I was a part of the November 2013 Lean Japan Tour and would highly recommend it for anyone who is serious about Lean Manufacturing. Ben and Paul are well organised and have put together a great tour. The tour is very enjoyable and a great insight into Lean manufacturing. I have come back with a greater appreciation for Lean Manufacturing and excited about where we can go with the ideas and knowledge I brought back with me from the tour. Paul and Ben, WELL DONE.
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One of the best weeks of my life. It has changed the way I see my production facility forever!
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I wanted to express my appreciation for the incredible Lean Japan Tour experience. I am grateful for the hospitality and support Shinka Management provided. Your guidance on Japanese Business Etiquette was invaluable. I am not aware of any training consultants who pay such meticulous attention to details. Your warm and welcoming approach created an excellent learning environment as well.

Paul, your passion for the subject matter was contagious and kept me going throughout. The thorough content and practical exercises enhanced this experience.

A very special thank you to Eri for her exceptional expertise in arranging flawless logistics, as well as her impeccable choices for lunch and dinner. Her tireless dedication to ensuring everyone’s well-being and comfort has been truly extraordinary and inspiring.

I look forward to applying what I have learned from you as well as from all the respectful Senseis. I will highly recommend this course to my peers and colleagues who are seeking an exceptional learning opportunity. Thank you once again.
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Thank you for the well-organized and informative tour. It can be distracting to read and attend lectures about lean, but when combined with practical training and actual visits to the home of lean, it helps to clarify and connect all the dots. The tour was an eye-opening experience where we witnessed lean manufacturing principles in action. The attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement were truly inspiring.

Overall, the tour was a transformative experience. It highlighted the power of lean thinking and demonstrated how it can significantly improve productivity, quality and customer satisfaction.
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Thank you, Paul Smith and Ben Sparrow, for hosting this amazing real time learning experience through visits to factories in Japan practicing Lean methodologies. This trip is something I will remember and take with me throughout my professional career and personal life.
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A very valuable and well-organized experience. Getting good access to factories where TPS and lean manufacturing are used as well as the instruction from experienced instructors made this a very worthwhile experience. Participants should leave well equipped to train others as well as conduct kaizen practices themselves.
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I had several projects that I had been procrastinating on. They seemed too big, too complicated and I was actually struggling to know where to start. Without a word of a lie, after the first day I came back to my hotel room and wrote up the backbone of my strategy using the skills I learnt of the first day.
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To do a lean learning tour with Shinka is definitely highly recommended. As lean is a personal journey for everyone who is involved in this topic, it doesn’t matter at which point of your journey you are in. At each level of personal experience there is a lot that you can take home with you. As an eye opener, as a deepener of your own level, as inspiration or as a booster – just do it. Organisation, support, guidance and facilitation by the coaches and trainers – five stars from five!
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The Lean Japan Tour is an enriching experience and organized very well by Shinka Management. It was the most wonderful training I have attended so far and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to be inspired about lean management and world class manufacturing!
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The tour program has been an amazing experience and delivered in the best possible way. It has provided a great picture of what Japanese culture is in all areas (work, transport, life, etc.) and across different environments and scenarios. The training and experience with the sensei are invaluable, as well as the experience Shinka Management provides throughout the tour. The factories we visited gave a very broad picture of all the principles we were learning, helping to reinforce our learnings with practice, as well as providing different living examples of the concepts.

The Shinka Management team was excellent in all areas (human, educational, translation). I don’t have much more to say, except that the program far exceeded expectations. Thank you!
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The Lean Japan Tour was brilliant. It was full of activities, insights and learning. In addition, the organization and the schedule were perfect.
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The team at Shinka have done a sensational job of providing an in-depth tour with lots to learn about the Toyota Production System and lean manufacturing. The tour was carefully planned, and we got the most out of our time in Japan.
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As I have had a previous unpleasant experience with lean training, I was worried about how much I could gain from this tour. At the end of this magnificent experience I can confirm that Shinka Management has exceeded my expectations. They are so organized, dedicated, helpful and generous. The tour was based on very-well known organizations using lean over decades and we got the maximum benefit from it.
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Wonderful! I truly loved how we got a chance to see multiple tiers of the Toyota supply chain, and learned the true definition of some buzz words related to TPS. Getting a chance to see it all up-close was impactful.
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The thing about the Lean Japan Tour by Shinka Management is that it’s not focused only on production efficiency, but also involves the lean way of managing people & reducing waste as a path to improving an organization’s quality & efficiency.

We had the chance to visit different plants, and the privilege of meeting sensei from different backgrounds.

I express my appreciation to the Shinka Management team who organized this joyful & knowledgeable trip. Especially Paul for keeping the knowledge flowing even during the bus rides, Eri for the fluent interpreting & the coordination of our stay in Japan, and Juan for sharing his long experience within Japanese automotive manufacturers that applied kaizen. The team’s passion for lean management and expertise elevated the entire experience.
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Amazing experience, exceptional learning. If you want to learn about Lean go on this tour!
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The Shinka lean study mission of Japan offers participants an opportunity to see what is possible in undertaking world class manufacturing. The insights that are possible on tours like this can really challenge what you think are the real key success factors for implementation and enhance the chance of success in your own journey.
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I attended the Shinka Management / Ai Group / JMAC Lean Japan Study Tour in 2010 – outstanding, highly recommended. (I don’t have this much fun when I go on holiday.) To see the cultural home of Lean Manufacturing is an experience you will never forget. Ride on a bullet train, walk the factory floor in Toyota plants and talk to the production people, see modular housing being produced on a Lean Production line. Eat in a different Japanese restaurant every night, practice your Karaoke, see Tokyo – amazing! Our tour was guided by Ben Sparrow, an Aussie who is fluent in Japanese and great company (night and day). The Japan Lean Manufacturing tour is a “must do” for anyone serious about understanding world class manufacturing!
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Wow. What a great experience not just from a learning perspective but also a great cultural experience as well. From the start the group came together really well. It was a perfect mix of practical and theory, and to gain an insight into the Toyota Production System and see it in action at all the sites we visited this week was awesome. A big thank you to David and Ben for making everyone feel so warm and making the week run smoothly. Over the week I have seen there are so many opportunities for myself and my company to improve. Now I’m heading back to implement what we have learnt and will take small steps to achieve our ultimate goal as a business. This is a wonderful investment personally and for the company. In six months’ time I want to look back at this trip and show how much it has made me achieve.

Finally, to spend time with Yamashita Sensei and get hands-on insights into the Toyota Production System was an eye-opener and an experience I will never forget. Great tour with an awesome bunch of people.
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I’m back from Japan where I visited one of Toyota’s final assembly line and several Toyota suppliers. After my China industrial tour in 2018, I was really impressed by the lean manufacturing study tour organized by Shinka Management. The tour was an opportunity to better understand the history behind the Toyota Production System and to see it in practice in current benchmark Japanese factories.

It was a great learning experience for me to immerse myself in the Japanese culture and to have this opportunity to analyse its close links with lean manufacturing methods. I can’t wait to share my new found knowledge and experience with my colleagues and to use it in practice in our Swiss production!
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The program was well organised and structured. The whole Shinka team were amazing and very accommodating. To be honest I was not certain that lean was the right fit for our business. But the refresher in Japan has opened up my eyes as to how it can be practically applied. The lean tour has prompted me to reignite my business.
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I want to congratulate the Shinka Management Team for the fantastic organisation of the Lean Japan Tour 2023.

The tour has been a business and life-changing experience for sure. On Day 1 I was already enlightened, and all the bits and pieces of a huge TQM puzzle came together to form a clear picture. The tour offers a fantastic overview of how lean management works at Toyota and their suppliers in Japan, and also helped me to better understand why lean implementation is sometimes difficult in Europe, and what needs to be considered in order to avoid making mistakes during the transformation journey. I highly recommend this tour: perfect organization (including preparation via video conference with Eri and Juan) and execution, coaching by various senseis, kanban and kaizen exercises in the Dojo, and last, but not least, the very, very nice group of people from all over the world meeting in this fascinating country… Japan!

This is the start of something big for me. I will keep you posted on the results once available. Thank you so, so much!
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Dear Paul, Ben and Eri,

We would just like to take a moment to thank you for such a wonderful tour. You exceeded all our expectations for a week long journey – from your very professional approach and even more personal service. The week was extremely insightful, and we could not stop talking about what we were going to do when we returned home.

Each plant tour, Q&A and debriefing were all very professional and informative. These taught us so much to help us move forward on our lean journey. Not only were the days very enjoyable but the nights were fantastic and fun. We learned so much about lean as well as experiencing the Japanese culture and the wonderful people.

Since we have been back the four of us have been very quick and extremely effective in rolling out many Kaizen improvements, setting takt times, 5s’ing many areas and much more (fantastic work). I’ve had much time to reflect and think about the tour and our next steps. We’ve written a training manual in 4 modules and have just completed the first module of training through the entire company.

We certainly have a new buzz flowing in and around the company and looking forward to this wonderful journey. Full credit to all of you. This has been the best tour we have ever been a part of and we will be sending more of our team in the future.
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The whole tour was very professionally undertaken and led. Paul and Ben have to be congratulated for putting together a very informative and very enjoyable experience. The itinerary was excellent and to see from the raw material all the way through the supply chain through to the finished product was superb. I loved the thought put into gaining the experience of the Japanese culture and food. I would very much recommend this tour for organizations and companies looking to implement lean.
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The Lean Japan Tour was an educational and exciting experience. The Shinka Management team with its impeccable all-round service ensured that the head and heart were free and open the whole time to be able to collect the many impressions. The factory tours, in connection with getting to know the country and culture, have expanded my lean experience in many ways. Thank you for the excellent organization and the exciting learning opportunities.
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Shinka Management organized an excellent tour. It was structured to capture professional development and cultural experience. The tour also provided me with experiences related not only to the local culture and food of Japan, but also to the culture and languages of fellow participants from all over the world. This tour has made a significant impact on my personal life and professional career. The kaizen concept and strategy of continuous improvement was presented in a genuine yet easily understood manner. I recommend contacting Shinka Management if you are serious about integrating kaizen into your company. Kaizen can be translated into your own business and partner organizations, but it also translates into your home and personal life. Thank you Shinka Management for such a valuable and unique program!
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I highly recommend the Lean Study Tour of Japan as an experience not to be missed. Having attended the tour for the past three years, supporting our clients, I have come away with new learnings every time. Whether you are new to Lean Thinking or well into your Lean Journey you will undoubtedly have an amazing experience immersed in the heart of the Toyota Production System. For companies wishing to develop their world class manufacturing skills this tour is a must do. Shinka Management’s co-ordination and guidance throughout the tour is faultless.
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If I had to describe the Lean Japan Tour, I would describe it as a great “experience”. It was an experience in every sense – from being surrounded by a new culture, landscapes, food, people; and learning a successful and proven work philosophy with results that are maintained over time. We were able to learn this new philosophy by seeing it in action on the plant floor and through hands-on exercise of what we had learned. Undoubtedly, the Lean Japan Tour leaves me not just with this experience, but also with a great responsibility as a leader – that is the responsibility of transmitting knowledge and implementing it in my company.
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The tour has been a once in a lifetime experience and a real insight into Japanese Industry and culture. The warm welcome and organisation of the week including travel, hotels, places to eat and all visits were exceptional. The Toyota Group and Isuzu factory tours really demonstrated the Toyota Production System followed up with great learning experiences through practical and theory sessions held with Hattori Sensei. We finished off the week with a visit to an impressive Mitsubishi plant that completed the process flow from Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers through to the finished vehicle. The week gave me an opportunity to network with other Airbus colleagues and discuss how we would take the learning home to improve the business. Paul and Dave, thanks for making the week memorable.
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The Lean Japan tour is an experience that has to be lived, because words are not enough to describe it. With excellent logistics and shared experiences, the Lean Japan Tour allowed us to experience the Toyota Production System beyond just the industrial realm. Thanks to the entire Shinka Management team for making this great experience possible.
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I am now back in the office in rainy Seattle and wanted to say a huge thank you, once again for making the lean tour such an enjoyable learning experience. There are so many valuable learnings and enriching experiences that I am looking forward to sharing with my team and colleagues here in the coming days. I would also like to thank you again for including me in the additional visits to both Kameda Medical Center and Osaka City University Hospital. I cannot believe what a super fun group of people that the Osaka team were; they certainly made me feel very welcome.

Please also pass on my sincere appreciation to Eri for the amazing attention to detail both prior to the trip and to everything on the trip from a logistical standpoint. I know that a lot of work goes into ensuring things run smoothly and I truly thought that she did an amazing job!
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During my bachelor’s degree I studied TPS and lean extensively but having the theoretical knowledge is very different to actually seeing it and getting the chance to implement it in the practical center. I have enjoyed my time during the tour and learned a lot about how TPS is actually implemented. The tour was very well planned and organized.
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